CDU appoints new head of Indigenous Leadership

By Robyn McDougall

A man who was born, raised and educated in Northern Australia has been appointed to head the Indigenous Leadership portfolio at Charles Darwin University.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Maddocks, said he was pleased to announce that Professor Adrian Miller would take up the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Leadership in early to mid July, with a specific date currently being confirmed.

Professor Miller is the Academic Director of Indigenous Education and Research at Griffith University in Brisbane where he manages Indigenous education and research activities, and policy and strategy development and implementation.

Before this role he was Professor of Indigenous Research, also at Griffith University.

“Since completing his undergraduate and postgraduate education at James Cook University, Professor Miller has held research, teaching and senior leadership roles in four universities,” Professor Maddocks said.

CDU’s strategic plan, entitled Connect Discover Grow, identifies Indigenous Leadership as one of the five strengths of the university.

“CDU is committed to providing effective and transformative leadership in Indigenous tertiary education and I am very confident that Professor Miller has a great deal to contribute to the university’s work in this area,” Professor Maddocks said.

“The university is highly cognisant of the role that education plays in empowering Indigenous people to achieve their aspirations and in addressing Indigenous disadvantage.”

Professor Miller’s research has been in the area of public health and infectious disease, and he has published widely on issues related to Indigenous health. His research interest extends to genomic research with ancient DNA and investigating new approaches to influenza vaccination.

Professor Miller is an experienced educator, having twice received the Australian College of Educators Teaching Award.

He is a member of the Australian College of Experts for the Australian Research Council and Academy of Assigners for the National Health and Medical Research Council.

He has been a member of ministerial advisory boards in both NSW and Queensland advising on Indigenous education.

Having been born in Mareeba in Far North Queensland, Professor Miller said he was looking forward to returning to the North to continue the important work of developing CDU as a leader in Indigenous tertiary education in Australia.